Common Sense Cars Part 2

Subaru Impreza 1.6 TS

Specs
Engine : 1.6 Litre 4-Cylinder Boxer, 95BHP, 1597cc.
Gearbox  : 5-speed Manual (Tested) / 4-speed Auto.
Weight : 1310kg
Configuration : 4-Door Saloon, All-Wheel Drive.
Accessories : Adjustable Steering, Electric Windows, Power Steering, A/C, ABS, Front Airbags, Audio System.
Price (Used)       : $28,800 - $23,000 (Auto)
                             $25,000 - $13,800 (Manual)
                             $24,000 - $18,999 (OPC)


Review
Power and Acceleration
This Impreza has good heritage.

It shares it's genes with one of the most famous and powerful rally cars of all time. But this 1.6 Litre TS version, isn't even in the same world. Reaching speeding-ticket speeds takes a dreary 13 seconds and it's 95 BHP, shared among all 4 wheels makes it slow to react when moving in traffic.

Suspension and Handling
In the traditional fashion of all Imprezas, it's 4-wheel drive system grips incredibly well. But as a result of the added strain of power on the front-wheels, the car tends to understeer in sharp bends. The ride comfort, however, is pretty good for a car that sits as low as this, but body-roll is still a slight issue.

Practicality
The Impreza has decently nice interior trim, a generally pleasant feel inside and the seats are very comfortable. There are an unbelievable amount of aftermarket parts to choose from, the boot is of average size and so are the maintenance costs. The only problem with this Impreza, is the gas mileage. To produce 95 BHP, the Impreza uses almost 50% more fuel than the 178 BHP from a Toyota Camry 2.5L.

Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com

Specs From

• http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=153868
• http://www.cars-data.com/en/subaru-impreza-16-ts-awd-95hp-10956/specs.html
• http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=259655

Images From

• http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=307881&CUR=1#photo
• http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=288155&CUR=1#photo
• http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=293832&CUR=5#photo
• http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=310078&CUR=4#photo
• http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=271568&CUR=1#photo
• http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=304836&CUR=4#photo

Common Sense Cars Part 1

Nissan Sunny
This section aims to restore the lost treasure of common sense into the minds of new drivers or those of you who wish to downgrade. For Part 1, the car in question is the Nissan Sunny.

Trivia

• The car we know as the Nissan Sunny, is known as the Nissan Pulsar ST-L N16, and the Nissan Sentra in other markets.

Specs
Engine : 1.6  Litre 4-Cylinder, 118BHP, 1597cc.
Gearbox  : 5-speed Manual (Tested) / Auto.
Weight : 1135kg
Configuration : 4-Door Saloon, Front Wheel Drive.
Accessories : Power Steering, Electronic Windows and Mirrors, Anti-Lock Brakes, Climate Control A/C, CD/MP3 Player.
Price (Used)       :  $26,800 - $18,800 (Auto)
                             $22,800 - $17,500 (Manual)
                             $21,800 - $15,800 (OPC)

Review
Power and Acceleration
The Nissan Sunny is not an outstandingly fast car.

It wasn't designed to be one. It's a car you drive from A to B and give no second thought about after. The 5-speed manual I tested only reached speeding-ticket speeds after a 11 second symphony of groaning stress noises.

Suspension and Handling
It does redeem itself through the corners. It corners surprisingly flat and is able to dart between obstacles pretty quickly as well. The result of this firm suspension, is that the ride is terrible. One could read braille by driving over it in the Sunny.

Practicality
As expected of a car of it's class, it has decent mileage, maintenance is cheap and so is the interior. Also expectedly, there is very little leg room in the cockpit, but unexpectedly, the Sunny boasts a boot larger than it's competitiors.




Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com


Specs From

• http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.php?ID=307501&DL=1000

Images From

• http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=307501&CUR=1#photo
• http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=307056&CUR=2#photo
• http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info_photos.php?ID=306509&CUR=3#photo

SingPetrol's Top 5 (2012)

SingPetrol's Top 5 of 2012

As this year draws to a close and (contrary to the Mayans) the world hasn't ended, we at SG Petrolheads are going to do the brave act, of making a list of the Top 5 Cars we liked from 2012.

5. Kia Optima K5

Yes, it is a Kia, but just look at it! The first time we saw this, we were all thinking; "Oh my god! Somebody stole a Kia... badge.

4. Porsche Panamera GTS 

The Panamera may still be  uglier than a pimple's pimple but it is definitely one of the best drivers cars around and now with 30 more horsepower.

3.Mercedes SLK
Probably the best lightweight, 2-seater convertible out there at the moment, the SLK proves that Merc still has what it takes.

2. Lamborghini Aventador Roadster

Undoubtedly the most impractical car in the list but
irresistible nonetheless. This 12-cylinder, 700 horsepower beast claims to be able to hit 350KM/H ... without a roof.

1. BMW 5-Series (F10)

BMW once again takes a shot at being the best in the business with the new 5-Series. The F10 5-Series is so good it makes the attempts to make a good, fast and comfortable executive saloon by other companies seem pretty much a waste of time. And the cherry on top of the cake for this 5-Series is of course the M5 version, which is (almost) annoyingly flawless.


Read Reviews of the Kia Optima K5, Porsche Panamera GTS, Mercedes SLK, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and BMW 5-Series(F10).

Images From: 

• http://paultan.org/2011/12/27/kia-optima-k5-2-0-launched-rm143888-on-the-road/_dsc0374/
• http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/11/la-auto-show-new-porsche-panamera-gts.html
• http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/13/officially-official-2012-mercedes-benz-slk-pops-its-auto-tintin/
• http://www.gizmag.com/lamborghini-aventador-lp700-4-roadster/24986/
• http://www.autoevolution.com/image/bmw-m5-f10-2011/41159.html

SingPetrol Begins

Hey guys, this blog was set up to give you, the day to day, working-class driver not necessarily the latest nor most relevant, but realistic, in depth, boots in the mud reviews on cars which we will most likely never own and motoring tips and tricks which we will never likely use.

But for those of you who wake up in the morning full of nothing but dread and the thought of how endless your life seems, do not fret, we do reviews for more practical cars and motoring related stuff too.